Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

For the information of the House, today the Government made an historic decision in approving the wording of the thirty-fourth amendment to the Constitution Bill which will allow the people to decide the question of equality of marriage which, in turn, will allow for the right of two people to marry, irrespective of their sexual orientation. This is the first time a people’s constitutional convention has made a recommendation that has been accepted by a Government. Once the Bill passes through the House, the issue will be put to the people for their decision. In that sense, it is an historic day.

The Deputy raised the issue of energy prices and the energy regulator. I am glad that the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Alex White, will meet the energy companies. He will support the opportunity for energy companies to pass on the reduction in the cost of oil and so forth to consumers. The regulator has also spoken about this.

The road transport Bill will be published in the second half of the year.

I do not have a date for publication of the landlord and tenant Bill. The question of rent caps will be dealt with when the supply of housing is adequate to meet demand. That is why the Government has prioritised not only putting up money for but also incentivising opportunities to get the construction sector going. Deputy Micheál Martin can shake his head, but that is a fact.

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